CFD modeling of flow patterns and hydraulics of commercial-scale sieve trays

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to predict the flow patterns and hydraulics of a commercial-scale sieve tray. The model considers the three-dimensional two-phase flow of gas and liquid in which each phase is treated as an interpenetrating continuum having separate transport equations. Interaction between the two phases occurs via an interphase momentum transfer. For the CFD analysis, the commercial packages CFX-5.4 and CFX-4.4 of AEA Technology were employed. Velocity distributions, clear liquid height, froth height, and liquid holdup fraction in froth were predicted for various combinations of gas and liquid flow rates. Predicted results are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. The objective of the work is studying the extent to which CFD can be used as a prediction and design tool for industrial trays. The simulation results are such that CFD can be used as an invaluable tool in tray design and analysis.